Our Top 8 End-of-Summer Cleaning Tips

Fall has never looked so clean.

Some fall-loving folks start celebrating the season a bit early — much to summer fans’ dismay — but it’s no longer up for debate. The first day of fall is September 22, which means summer is truly, officially ending, my friends. No matter which side you’re on, it’s time to accept the change of seasons. It’s also time to shut down and stow away your summer things, which entails a bit of cleaning. Sigh. It’s not as bad as spring cleaning, though — I promise! Plus, properly caring for seasonal items ensures a longer lifespan, which saves you money in the long run. Score.

Scrub Outdoor Furniture

The gentle abrasiveness of baking soda is perfect for cleaning stains off painted outdoor furniture. And a baking soda mixture works well on outdoor fabric stains, too.

Wipe Down Outdoor Furniture

The gentle abrasiveness of baking soda is perfect for cleaning stains off painted outdoor furniture. And a baking soda mixture works well on outdoor fabric stains, too.

Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions

Give your outdoor furniture a thorough cleaning to remove built-up debris. Different types of outdoor furniture require different cleaning techniques. Check out our cleaning guide to see how to clean yours.

Clean Outdoor Cushions

HGTV Spring House 2016: Spring Decor With Outdoor Floor Cushions

Spring-Inspired Decor With Outdoor Floor Cushions

Maximize your seating capacity outside with stacks of oversized pillows laid out near sofas and loveseats. As your soiree grows, this will allow plenty of cushy surfaces for guests to gather around one another.

Photo by: Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Photo By: Flynnside Out Productions

Spot-clean cotton, polyester and acrylic fabrics with a mixture of liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Rinse with clean water, and allow time to air-dry.

Wash Beach Towels

All-American Living Room Design From HGTV's Beach Flip

Modern Beach Towel Storage

As seen on Beach Flip, decorations include beach towels right by the southern exit door in the first floor living room at the renovated Comfort Breeze condo.

From: Beach Flip

Photo by: Todd Douglas / Getty Images

Todd Douglas / Getty Images

Swimming season has come to an end, so give those beach towels a much-needed bath. Use the hottest water the fabric will allow, and add a small amount of fabric softener to the load.

Scrub The Grill

Step 3-  Scrape 
Once warm, use a scraper to remove the top layer of cooked on grit and grime.

How to Deep Clean a Grill

Step 3- Scrape Once warm, use a scraper to remove the top layer of cooked on grit and grime.

Photo by: Tomas Espinoza

Tomas Espinoza

Thanks to summer’s barbecues, your grill is probably sporting some cooked-on grit and grime. Try our seven-step, deep-clean process to return it to its former glory.

Don’t Forget the Grill Utensils

Cleaning dirty grilling utensils.

Tips for Cleaning Your Grilling Utensils

Get your greasy grilling utensils clean (and keep them clean).

Photo by: Emily Fazio

Emily Fazio

Give your grill’s accessories a deep clean, too. Though you probably wash them after each barbecue, they could use one, final scrub-down before being stowed away. We’ll show you how.

Clean + Drain Lawn Mower

home, maintenance, lawn mower, equipment

Check your gas- and battery-powered lawn equipment to make sure it is ready for summer use. Clean equipment and sharp cutting blades will make yardwork easier.

Photo by: Mint Images / Tim Pannell / Getty Images

Mint Images / Tim Pannell / Getty Images

Show your trusty lawn mower some love, and clean out all that caked-on grass. Not sure how? We’ve got you covered. Also, be sure to empty your gas tank, and run the mower dry for the winter months. This will keep your mower’s carburetor from getting clogged while sitting in storage — which will save you a major headache in the spring.

Clean Gardening Tools

Step 1- Remove Dirt
Using a powerful garden hose, knock the dirt off and go after any stubborn caked on dirt with a putty knife.

How to Clean Garden Tools

Step 1- Remove Dirt Using a powerful garden hose, knock the dirt off and go after any stubborn caked on dirt with a putty knife.

Photo by: Tomas Espinoza

Tomas Espinoza

To prevent rusting, scrub off those hard-worked garden tools. Get helpful tips here.

Sweep Out the Garage

Photo by: Dylan Eastman

Dylan Eastman

Rid your garage of all the grass and debris that get tracked in during the warm-weather months. Have oil stains or garage door issues that need attention? Check out our guide to garage maintenance.

13 Must-Know Cleaning Tips for Pet Parents

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Spend more time cuddling with your furry family members and less time cleaning up after them with these smart tips.

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8 Ways to Fix Drafty Windows

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How to Clean an Electric Coil Stovetop

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How to Clean a Chimney

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